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Hacker News Stack VS Substack

Compare Hacker News Stack VS Substack and see what are their differences

Hacker News Stack

Focus on the really fresh and unread news in Hacker News.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
Substack

With Substack, anyone can start a publication that combines a personal website, blog, and email newsletter or podcast. It's quick and simple.

Rating
0 reviews
Alternatives Is it good?
Castmint
Type one line. Get a finished short. sponsored
Note: These products don't have any matching categories. If you think this is a mistake, please edit the details of one of the products and suggest appropriate categories.

Which is more popular?

Based on our record, Substack seems to be more popular. It has been mentioned 108 times since March 2021.

social mentions
0 vs 108
Hacker News UI popularity
100% vs 0%
alternatives listed
56 vs 240+

Base details

Website, pricing, platforms and company facts side by side.

Hacker News Stack
Substack
Website chromewebstore.google.com substack.com
Company — Startup from the United States
Listed in
Hacker News UI Web App Hacker News Productivity +1
Creators Blogging Paid Newsletters CMS +1

Features and specs

What each product offers, as listed by its team.

Hacker News Stack 3 features
Substack 6 features
  • Real-time Notifications
    Provides instant alerts for new articles and comments, keeping users updated without needing to constantly refresh the site.
  • Convenient Access
    Offers easy access to Hacker News content directly from the browser, streamlining the browsing experience.
  • Customizable Settings
    Allows users to tailor the types of notifications they receive, ensuring relevance and reducing unwanted distractions.

Possible disadvantages

  • Potential Distractions
    Real-time notifications can be interruptive and may hinder productivity if not managed properly.
  • Browser Dependency
    Available only as a Chrome extension, which limits use to compatible browsers and excludes users of other browsers.
  • Privacy Concerns
    Some users may have reservations about granting permissions or providing data access to the extension.
  • Ease of Use
    Substack offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy for writers to publish and monetize their newsletters.
  • Built-in Monetization
    Writers can easily charge readers for subscriptions, allowing for straightforward monetization.
  • Direct Audience Connection
    Substack allows writers to build a direct relationship with their audience via email, which can lead to a more engaged readership.
  • Discovery and Community
    Features like staff picks and recommendations help writers get discovered by new readers.
  • No Upfront Costs
    Substack does not charge upfront fees; instead, it takes a percentage of subscription revenues, making it easier to start.
  • Content Ownership
    Writers retain full ownership of their content, giving them more control over their work.

Possible disadvantages

  • Revenue Share
    Substack takes a 10% cut of subscription revenues, which can add up for writers with a large subscriber base.
  • Limited Customization
    The platform has limited customization options compared to building a custom website or using more flexible CMS options.
  • Dependency on Platform
    Relying on Substack means depending on its policies and infrastructure, which could pose risks if the platform changes its terms or features.
  • Competition
    As more writers join Substack, it can become challenging to stand out amidst the growing competition.
  • Email Deliverability
    Writers may face issues with email deliverability, as some newsletters may end up in spam folders.
  • Payment Processing Fees
    Besides Substack's fee, payment processors like Stripe also take a percentage, further reducing net earnings for writers.

Analysis

An editorial look at what each product does well and who it suits.

Hacker News Stack
Substack

Overall verdict

  • Good. If you frequently visit Hacker News and desire a more pleasurable browsing experience with added functionalities, this extension is generally well-regarded by its users.

Why this product is good

  • Hacker News Stack is a Chrome extension designed to enhance the user experience of browsing Hacker News. It provides features like custom themes, improved readability, keyboard shortcuts, and other enhancements that make navigating and reading content on Hacker News more efficient and enjoyable.

Recommended for

    This extension is recommended for avid Hacker News users who want to streamline their browsing experience, improve visual aesthetics, and increase their productivity with additional features like keyboard shortcuts and custom theming options.

Overall verdict

  • Substack is a good choice for writers seeking autonomy and a straightforward way to monetize their content. However, it may not be the best fit for those who prefer working within the framework of a larger publication or those unfamiliar with the challenges of building and maintaining a subscriber base.

Why this product is good

  • Substack is a platform that allows writers, journalists, and content creators to publish and monetize their newsletters. It is praised for its ease of use, built-in subscription system, and direct-to-consumer model which enables writers to retain control over their audience and content. The platform has attracted both independent writers and established journalists seeking the freedom to monetize their work without traditional media constraints.

Recommended for

  • Independent writers and journalists
  • Content creators looking to monetize their work
  • Individuals seeking a direct relationship with their audience
  • Those who appreciate simplicity in publishing

Videos

Walkthroughs and reviews on video.

Hacker News Stack 0 videos + Add
Substack 5 videos + Add

No Hacker News Stack videos yet. You could help us improve this page by suggesting one.

Monetizing Podcasts and Newsletters - Chris Best of Substack and Jonathan Gill of Backtracks

More videos

  • - E1016 Substack CEO Chris Best empowers writers via email newsletter platform, raised $15M from a16z
  • - Why EVERYONE should be on Substack | What it is, How it Works, $$$
  • - Beehiiv vs Substack (2024) - Which is Better?
  • - My Experience with SUBSTACK: An Honest Review of Substack

Category popularity

How often each product is chosen within a category, 0–100% relative to the other.

Score bands 0–20 21–40 41–50 51–60 61–100
Hacker News Stack
Substack
100% 100%
Hacker News UI
0% 0%
0% 0%
Blogging
100% 100%
100% 100%
Tech
0% 0%
0% 0%
CMS
100% 100%

User comments

Share your experience with using Hacker News Stack and Substack. For example, how are they different and which one is better?

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Reviews and articles

External articles and on-site reviews we used to compare the two products.

Hacker News Stack no reviews yet
Substack no reviews yet

We have no reviews of Hacker News Stack yet. Be the first one to post

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Social recommendations and mentions

Recommendations tracked on public social media and blogs since March 2021.

Hacker News Stack 0 mentions
Substack 108 mentions

Tracking Hacker News Stack since Mar 2021.

  • Effective Altruism Conquered the World
    Https://substack.com/@gurwinder/posts. - Source: Hacker News / 1 day ago
  • Ask HN: Who wants to be hired? (October 2026)
    Substack: https://substack.com/@friedkielbasa. - Source: Hacker News / 4 days ago
  • Sync any blog via API to Substack in one-click
    Name Type Required Description Cookie String Yes Substack.sid= (browser session cookie) Accept String Yes Application/json Origin String Yes Publication origin, e.g.... - Source: dev.to / 8 days ago

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Alternatives to Hacker News Stack and Substack

When comparing Hacker News Stack and Substack, you can also consider the following products.

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